Josie Over Cause of Death: The Tragic End of a Hawaii Five-O Star (2024)

Josie Over was a talented actress who appeared in several popular TV shows in the 1970s and 1980s, such as Magnum, P.I., Quincy M.E., and Hawaii Five-O. She was known for her exotic beauty and versatile roles, often playing different ethnicities and characters. She was also a devoted mother of eight children and a loving wife to Don ‘Lance’ Over, a former stuntman and actor. However, her life was cut short by a rare and aggressive form of cancer that took her away at the age of 49. Here is the story of Josie Over’s cause of death and how she left a lasting impression on her fans and co-stars.

Early Life and Career

Josie Over was born on September 9, 1942, in Los Angeles, California, as Josephine Algar Nunez. She was of Spanish and Filipino descent and grew up in a large family with nine siblings. She started acting at a young age and appeared in several commercials and minor roles in TV shows. She moved to Hawaii in the late 1960s with her husband Don ‘Lance’ Over, who was working as a stuntman for the show Hawaii Five-O. There, she got her big break when she was cast as one of the recurring characters in the show, playing various roles such as Liani Kia, Chieu, Charlie the Lab Assistant, Anna Celeste Caro, and Horton’s Girl. She appeared in 16 episodes of the show from 1968 to 1979, becoming one of the most recognizable faces of the series.

Other TV Roles and Recognition

Josie Over also appeared in other popular TV shows such as Magnum, P.I., Quincy M.E., The New Mike Hammer, Cagney & Lacey, Jake and the Fatman, and L.A. Law. She often played nurses, reporters, policewomen, waitresses, and other supporting roles that showcased her versatility and charm. She was praised by critics and fans for her natural acting skills and screen presence. She also received recognition from the Asian American community for being one of the few actresses of Asian descent to have a successful career in Hollywood at that time.

Personal Life and Family

Josie Over was married to Don ‘Lance’ Over, who was also an actor and stuntman. They met on the set of Hawaii Five-O and fell in love. They had eight children together: four sons and four daughters. They raised their family in Oahu, Hawaii, where they enjoyed the island life and culture. Josie Over was a devoted mother who balanced her career and family responsibilities. She was also a devout Catholic who attended church regularly and prayed for her loved ones.

Cause of Death and Legacy

Josie Over died on March 24, 1992, in Oahu, Hawaii, after a long battle with multiple myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer that affects plasma cells. She was diagnosed with the disease in 1990 and underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments. However, the cancer was too aggressive and spread to other parts of her body. She passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family. She was 49 years old.

Josie Over’s cause of death shocked and saddened her fans and co-stars, who remembered her as a talented actress and a kind person. Her funeral was attended by hundreds of people who paid their respects to her memory. She was buried at Hawaiian Memorial Park Cemetery in Kaneohe, Hawaii.

Josie Over’s legacy lives on through her work and her family. Her children have followed in her footsteps and pursued careers in entertainment, such as acting, singing, dancing, modeling, and producing. Some of them have also appeared in Hawaii Five-O reboot series that aired from 2010 to 2020. Her husband Don ‘Lance’ Over remarried in 1994 but never forgot his first love. He died in 2015 at the age of 77.

Josie Over was a remarkable actress who left an indelible mark on the TV industry with her diverse roles and captivating performances. She was also a loving wife and mother who cherished her family above all else. She faced her illness with courage and faith until the end. She will always be remembered as one of the stars of Hawaii Five-O and a beloved member of the Hawaiian community.